In a move that had been anticipated for months, the St. Louis Cardinals have officially parted ways with All-Star closer Ryan Helsley. The right-hander was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in a high-profile deal aimed at reshaping both teams’ rosters ahead of the summer stretch. Helsley, a key figure in the Cardinals’ bullpen since 2019, now heads to Philadelphia in exchange for a package of prospects and reliever depth.
Helsley’s departure marks the end of an era for the Cardinals’ late-inning dominance. The 29-year-old closer led Major League Baseball in saves during the 2024 season, setting a franchise record with 49 saves and earning National League Reliever of the Year honors. Known for his blazing fastball and poise under pressure, Helsley became one of the most reliable arms in the league over the past few seasons.
Despite his success, trade rumors had been swirling around Helsley throughout the offseason. With his contract set to expire after the 2025 season and a hefty projected free-agent value of $80+ million, the Cardinals were hesitant to commit long-term to the hard-throwing closer. Team president John Mozeliak had previously said the organization wanted to stay competitive, but would listen to offers that made sense for the future of the franchise.
The Phillies, meanwhile, have been actively searching for bullpen help after struggles with newly signed reliever Jordan Romano. Helsley’s arrival gives them a proven closer to anchor the ninth inning and bolster their playoff hopes. “This is the kind of move that can turn a season around,” one NL executive said. “The Phillies now have one of the most electric arms in baseball closing out games.”
For Helsley, the trade is bittersweet. In a statement released shortly after the deal, he thanked the Cardinals organization and fans for their support throughout his career. “St. Louis will always be home to me,” he wrote. “I grew as a player and a person here. I’m excited for what’s ahead, but I’ll always be grateful for my time with the Cardinals.”
As he begins a new chapter in Philadelphia, Helsley leaves behind a strong legacy in St. Louis. While the Cardinals now shift their focus to developing young arms and reshaping their bullpen, fans will remember Helsley as a dominant force who brought consistency and fire to the mound. Whether or not the Cardinals ultimately benefit from the trade, the loss of Helsley will be felt both on the field and in the clubhouse.
